catecholamine

noun

cat·​e·​chol·​amine ˌka-tə-ˈkō-lə-ˌmēn 

-ˈkȯ-

: any of various amines (such as epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine) that function as hormones or neurotransmitters or both

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Natural alternatives to Adderall can resolve ADHD symptoms by including ingredients that help your body regulate catecholamine levels. —Dallas News, 24 July 2022

Besides melianin production, tyrosinase (and hence Tyrp1) is at a key step of catecholamine synthesis. —Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 3 Sep. 2011

Moodiness Overtraining can lead to a decrease in hormone production, specifically the hormone catecholamine, which can influence the sympathetic nervous system. —Jeff Gaudette, Outside Online, 21 Jan. 2019

Much like with exercise and fasting, caffeine stimulates catecholamine secretion. —Patrick Wilson, Outside Online, 13 Apr. 2020

Acute psychological stress can exacerbate catecholamine release and worsen nausea in some people, and these types of relaxation strategies are extremely low risk with strong potential upside. —Patrick Wilson, Outside Online, 13 Apr. 2020

These catecholamine hormones are produced by your adrenal glands as well as by neurons in your central and peripheral nervous systems. —Patrick Wilson, Outside Online, 13 Apr. 2020

One hypothesis is that a surge of catecholamines, or stress hormones, are toxic to the heart. —NBC News, 25 Sep. 2019

Physiologically, when women don’t feel safe in a birth environment, the levels of stress hormone catecholamine rise causing labor to slow or even stop. —Mariko Zapf, Good Housekeeping, 16 Nov. 2017

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Word History

First Known Use

1954, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

catecholamine

noun

cat·​e·​chol·​amine ˌkat-ə-ˈkō-lə-ˌmēn, -ˈkȯ- 

: any of various amines (as epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine) that contain a dihydroxy benzene ring, that are derived from tyrosine, and that function as hormones or neurotransmitters or both